Broughty United Pumas advanced to the quarter finals of the Diamond Jubilee Cup thanks to a 4-3 penalty win over Dryburgh.

Filippo Bell kept out Jay Jay Huchison’s spot kick before Luke Cunningham slotted home the winner for Broughty to take them through.

These teams were two of three sides level on 12 points in Group A, meaning a playoff would be required to determine who advanced to the quarter finals of the cup.

Dryburgh picked up a 1-0 win on the opening day of the season but fell behind after four minutes when Blair Ross turned inside the box and curled a shot into the top corner of Kaden Leadbetter’s net.

Both sides were battling well in the opening stages, with both defences answering any questions that were asked of them. Jay Jay Huchison was slipped through on goal after 18 minutes, only to see his low strike come back off the post.

Broughty keeper Filippo Bell was called into action moments later as he beat away a stinging strike from Rhys Stewart as Dryburgh pressed for the equaliser.

The visitor’s efforts were rewarded eight minutes before half time when Huchison curled a free kick from 25 yards past Bell. It was no more than Dryburgh deserved after a strong first half performance.

Half Time:

Broughty United Pumas

1-1

Dryburgh Athletic

Broughty’s Lucas Goff was denied by Leadbetter early in the second half, while a goal line clearance from Bradley Storrier stopped Huchison giving Dryburgh the lead.

Neither team was giving the other an inch, meaning clear cut chances were at a premium. Goff cut in from the left late on but couldn’t hit the target, meaning the game would be decided by penalties.

Full Time:

Broughty United Pumas

1-1

Dryburgh Athletic

Jay Jay Huchison was the first taker for Dryburgh, but saw his strike kept out by Filippo Bell. Jay MacDonald stepped up and scored for Broughty to give them the lead, despite Kaden Leadbetter getting a hand to his effort.
Kyle Hendry saw his effort come back off the bar, allowing Ben Samson to double Broughty’s advantage.
Rhys Stewart went straight down the middle and found the net for Dryburgh. Blair Ross then produced the penalty of the night, firing the ball into the top left corner.
Bradley Wilson scored for Dryburgh before Lucas Goff fired over the bar for Broughty.
Bobby Shirkey found the top corner to bring Dryburgh level, but it wasn’t enough as Luke Cunningham slotted the ball into the side netting to secure Broughty the win.
Both teams deserve enormous credit for what they put into such an entertaining match. In the end, it wasn’t to be for Dryburgh, who will look at the chances they had cleared off the line and off the woodwork during normal time as the best chances they had to go through.
While they will be hurting after losing on penalties, there is plenty for them to be optimistic about ahead of their upcoming league campaign.
As for Broughty, they will take on St Andrews Colts in the next round and should go into the tie full of confidence. Throughout the match, Filippo Bell pulled off some top saves, capping off a fine performance by saving Huchison’s effort in the shootout.